Page 30 - Landscape SA 99
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‘Homemade’


        wetlands                                                An ecological solution







                                                                to greywater treatment





        Municipal  water use in  South Africa accounts for 27%  of total water consumed.
        Garden and landscape irrigation makes up 31-50% of domestic water consumption.
        There is an opportunity to half your water bill by simply re-using your greywater!


        Greywater is household wastewater that doesn’t contain  Greywater can be safely used in your garden as long as you
        any faecal matter, heavy grease, or toxic chemicals. This  follow a few basic rules:
        water can be used to irrigate gardens and landscapes after  •  Don’t store greywater for longer than 24 hours.
        basic treatment to remove excess nutrients, chemicals, and  •  Don’t allow greywater to pool.
        potentially harmful bacteria.                         •  Don’t use greywater if it has been contaminated with
                                                                 faeces or urine.
        Constructed wetlands are man-made systems that mimic
        the natural processes of wetlands to treat water. Greywater  Constructed wetlands are easy to build and effective in treating
        is passed through the wetland, where it is slowly cleaned and  greywater for use in your garden. Find out how to build your
        filtered, and then released. The treated water can now be used  own constructed wetland by visiting www.randwater.co.za and
        to irrigate gardens and landscapes.                   click ing on the Water Wise logo. You will find a user-friendly
                                                              manual to download that details all
        A constructed wetland will filter and treat your greywater before  the steps and materials you need
        you use it to irrigate your garden. The system removes soap  to construct one of these systems
        scum, toxins, and bacteria and delivers better quality water to  in your own garden or landscape.
        your garden. It also provides a habitat for local and indigenous
        insects, birds, and animals, and provides an aesthetically  Always be Water Wise!
        appealing focal point in the garden.








        www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo
        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60
           28   Landscape SA • Issue 99 2021
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